20 holiday destinations the experts say not to miss

(CNN) — From pilots to travel photographers, train aficionados to tour guides, these globe-trotting experts have seen the world.

They share their favorite destinations, and why they think they shouldn't be missed for your next holiday.

1. Find the isolated islands of Wayag, Indonesia

Out of all the beauty that Indonesia has to offer, Wayag is perhaps the most stunning spot, says Michael Travers, head of marketing and communications at SeaTrek Sailing Adventures.

"Wayag has hundreds of thickly forested limestone karsts and islands, resulting in sheltered bays with white sand beaches and coral reefs," he says.

There aren't any villages, let alone tourist accommodation, and guests can only really arrive by boat, adds Travers.

"I'd definitely recommend climbing to the lookout point on the western side of the main Wayag Bay. It's not for the faint of heart (picture a 30-minute ascent through forest and over jagged limestone), but there are the most staggering views of paradise at the end."

2. Visit Egypt without the crowds

"I traveled there at the end of 2015 and it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see these sites with few crowds. For instance, at Abu Simbel, I was in Ramses temple and had it all to myself for a few minutes.

"As I was climbing up the narrow staircase into the center of Cheops Pyramid, there were only a few people that I had to sidestep. It's a very different experience doing that when the crowds (and heat) are at full force," says mKent.

3. Bathe in Tbilisi's Abanotubani District

Move over, Istanbul. There's a new European city brimming with East-meets-West culture and natural sulfurous waters that give Cagaloglu Baths a run for its money, according to freelance photojournalist Sarah Freeman.

"I'll never forget the sight of the Namib Desert sand dunes crashing into the Atlantic Ocean. Flying over the Hoanib River by Cessna, it's easy to spot giraffes and elephants beneath," Jackson recalls.

"Afterwards, I always grab a drink on the beach, where water laps at my feet and there's a shipwreck just behind."

5. See the Northern Lights in Canada before they go dormant

In 2017, Canada is celebrating its 150th year since Confederation so the country is offering free admission to its national parks for the entire year, says Hannah Tydeman-Klassen, founder and director of Curio Trips.

But as most people flock to the bright blue lakes and snow-capped mountains of Banff National Park, she recommends heading to the Northern Territory of Yukon.

It also provides a chance to catch the world's greatest natural light show, the Aurora Borealis.

With scientists predicting 2017 as the last year before the Northern Lights enter a dormant phase, "this really is the year to see them," she says.

"From here it's possible to explore the nearby national park on foot or horseback. Keep an eye out for the exceedingly rare wooly spider monkey -- the property's owners have really focused on conserving the Atlantic Forest, the animal's home."

7. See dozy dolphins in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park: Where dolphins chill

ROMEO GACAD/AFP/Getty Images

"I suggest heading to Komodo National Park in Indonesia, where [in a hidden cove] a pod of dolphins rest at night," says Eddie Widnall, founder of Ultimate Indonesian Yachts.

"There's nothing quite like sleeping outside on the boat with the sound of the dolphins beneath."

Then there's Tomolol in Misool, where it's possible to swim through cathedral-like caves and stalactites into a blue lagoon with limestone walls, he says.

"Some have century-old paintings while others are coated in orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants."

8. Visit untouched beaches in Vilanculos, Mozambique

"I didn't know much of anything about Mozambique before I went," says Kristin Addis, CEO, Be My Travel Muse.

There was very little online about this coastal country in southern Africa, she says.

"When I traveled there I was blown away by the gorgeous white sand beaches that were mostly free of tourists.

"Each day in Vilanculos, the sand bars appear when the tide goes out. It was great watching fishermen grabbing their catch and locals playing soccer in the sand."

"I stayed at Aman's Amanjiwo, which I definitely recommend. I woke up at 4 a.m. and climbed the summit for unbelievable views of Kedu as the sun came up over Mount Merapi, a whispering volcano.

"I'd suggest bringing a picnic to eat at the nearby waterfall. My guide (from the hotel) took me there."

18. Trek through the mountains of India

Maxine Headley, Smith24 travel expert, says she really wants to dispel myths surrounding India: that it's difficult to travel around and that visitors are likely to get sick.

"I don't know where all the negativity comes from," says Headley.

For a different take on the country, Headley recommends experiencing a Shakti stay up in the Himalayas where there are fewer hotels, and more nomadic journeys into the Indian mountains where days are spent adventuring and nights are in a series of base camps under the stars.

"I loved trekking trough through beautiful orchards, treading canyons and stopping to take in and admire the Buddhist temples with giant gold statues dotted around the landscape."